She was born in Moccasin, Mont., on March 5, 1921 to Boyd and Esther Wark. She was the fourth of 12 children. Marie graduated from Moccasin High School and went on to Montana State University to become a registered nurse. She married Norman DeBoer on Oct. 13, 1944.
They made their home on a small farm in Manhattan, Mont., where they raised their three children. Marie went back to her nursing when the children were in school and she loved working in a doctor’s office until she and Norm retired. They traveled for 10 years in a motor home, going from a boys ranch in Leavenworth, Wash., to a Bible School in Texas, to various churches and Christian camps where Norm could offer his carpentry services. Marie was there as his helper and they developed many wonderful relationships with people around the country.
They eventually settled in Boardman where their daughter and family live. They loved being there for the grandchildren as they went through school and enjoying all the family activities, along with the Eastern Oregon weather. As a couple they were active in the Boardman Senior group, Pioneer Memorial Hospice.
Marie is survived by her two daughters, Cheryl and Terry Tallman of Boardman, Suella and Larry Graybill of Post Falls, Idaho and her daughter-in-law, Sharon DeBoer of Mountlake Terrace, Wash., grandchildren,Jonathan Tallman, Crystal and Shawn Hemple, Derrin Tallman, Benjamin Graybill, Aubrey Graybill, Christine and Brian Benson, Charlotte and Jay Divine, and Rudy and Shannon Falsis; great- grandchildren, Cora Hemple, Jayce and Cody Divine, Cooper and Tanner Benson, and Logan and Bella Falsis; brother, Charles and Libby Wark of Park City, Mont.; and numerous and much loved nieces and nephews and their families.
She was proceeded in death by her husband of 66 years; son, Steven DeBoer; five sisters, Mae Wark, Anna Burke, Edith Wark, Helen Cushman and June Wark; five brothers, John, Carl, Don, Gene and George Wark.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Boardman Community Church in Boardman.
Those who wish may make contributions in Marie’s memory to: Les Feldick Ministries, 30706 W. Lona Valley Rd., Kinta, OK 74552.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
